Film and TV Tour of England

Lights, camera, action! Ever wondered where your favourite film is shot? TV and film locations are big business and we’ve uncovered some inspirational places to visit where famous movies and TV shows were filmed that will add interest to any tour itinerary.

Into the Woods, Kent and Surrey
Released in January 2015, the film adaptation of the eponymous Broadway musical Into the Woods features an all-star cast including Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, James Corden and Emily Blunt. Filming took place in some stunning English locations including Dover Castle in Kent, and Waverley Abbey and Virginia Water, both in Surrey.

Suffragette, Kent and Windsor
This dramatisation of the early feminist movement contains a star-studded cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep. Filming took place in a variety of locations across England, such as Windsor, Chatham in Kent, Harpenden and Myddleton Square in London.

Cinderella, Blenheim Palace and London
Cinderella is the latest adaptation of Charles Perrault’s fairy tale. The film will star Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden and Helena Bonham-Carter as Cinderella’s fairy godmother. Filming locations included Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, Black Park in Iver Heath and the Old Royal Naval College.

Spectre, London
Ian Fleming’s iconic British secret agent returns in the latest blockbuster. The film will see Daniel Craig return to the role of James Bond once again. Filming has been in various locations around London.

Frankenstein, Manchester and London
Based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel of the same name, the latest adaptation, released in October 2015, and will feature a stellar cast. Daniel Radcliffe will star as hunchback Igor, whilst James McAvoy will portray Victor von Frankenstein. Filming locations included Manchester Town Hall, Chatham Historic Dockyard and the Old Royal Naval College, including King Charles Court.

Harry Potter, Northumberland, Oxford, Wiltshire, London
Everyone’s favourite teen wizard has appeared at various magical locations all over England. Groups can train from London’s King’s Cross Station to visit The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ www.harrypotterplatform934.com from where the Hogwart’s Express departs and also check out London’s Victorian Leadenhall Market where the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is.

Some of the Hogwarts scenes were filmed at Alnwick Castle www.alnwickcastle.com and the Bodleian Library www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk in Oxford which are fantastic places to visit. The National Trust village of Lacock in Wiltshire and the nearby Abbey have also been used as Happy Potter filming locations that include scenes with the Mirror of Erised, the classroom’s of Prof. Snape and Quirrel and more.

Furthermore, the wonderful special effects and amazing creatures in the Harry Potter films have made this iconic series beloved by both young and old – and in 2012, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter opened its doors for everyone to explore the studio where it first began. Visitors get to go behind-the-scenes and see breathtakingly detailed sets, stunning costumes, props and animatronics. It’s a unique showcase of the extraordinary British artistry, technology and talent that went into making the most successful film series of all time.

Sherlock, London
Take a tour of Sherlock’s London and discover many of the locations featured in the three series of the BBC show. You can take a three hour tour with a private guide and a black taxi to show guests key sites from the series including 221b Baker St, Speedy’s Café, St Barts Hospital, the Skate Park from The Blind Banker and much more.

Monuments Men, Rye, Sussex and Cambridge
The World War II epic Monuments Men, starring George Clooney, Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett, released in February, 2015 included shots filmed in Rye, Sussex and Cambridge. The George in Rye, may be of particular interest for ‘set-jetters’ as it’s where the cast of Monuments Men set up camp during filming.

Far from the Madding Crowd, Dorset
Filmed in and around Hardy Country in Dorset, the film starred Casey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge. Few authors have such strong associations with their local area as Thomas Hardy, and today you can explore two of the writer’s houses – his childhood home and Max Gate, the property Hardy designed himself and moved into with Emma after his marriage.

Alpha Papa, Norwich
To celebrate the release of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, VisitNorwich launched a new walking tour of the city, designed with Partridge fans in mind. The “Alpha Norwich” walk is a 90-minute guided tour of the city so dear to Alan’s heart, taking in some of his favourite haunts and several of the locations to feature in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, including The Guildhall, City Hall and The Forum

Broadchurch, Somerset, Devon and Dorset
The popular ITV drama ‘Broadchurch’ recently began filming its second series following the huge success of its first series in March 2013. Filming took place across North Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Visitors to West Bay in Dorset will recognise many of the fictional Broadchurch’s locations such as the Broadchurch police station, newsagents and café. A Broadchurch walking tour is also available in West Bay all year round, lasting 90 minutes. The tour is a chance to hear behind the scenes stories of filming and visit the café in which it was written. Head to Cleveden in North Somerset to see where Broadchurch High Street was filmed, as well as the Latimer’s family home and Broadchurch Parish Church (also known as St Andrew’s Church).

Downton Abbey, Newbury
Discover the true story behind Downton Abbey, with a ‘set-jetting’ day trip to Highclere Castle the filming location for the smash hit series. Often described as the finest occupied mansion in England, the castle has been the home of the Earls of Carnarvon for over 300 years.

Alternatively, go on a ‘Downton Abbey and Village Tour’, allowing you to experience life above and below stairs. Become Lord or Lady Grantham for the day and visit the film locations used for the BAFTA winning period drama, including Highclere Castle. Get fascinating anecdotes about how the global hit TV series was made, the actors involved and the wonderful history of the places you visit on the tour. The tour departs from central London and heads straight for the charming Oxfordshire village of Bampton, the very location that has been featured as Downton Village. Here you will get a guided tour of the locations such as Downton hospital, the village pub, the former home of Matthew Crawley and the local church. These small group tours will take in all of the main locations featured in the show and give visitors the chance to experience aspects of Edwardian life in a Downton style setting.

Included in this package:

6 nights hotel accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis

All activity fees

Hire of a self-drive rental car

VAT at 20%

All hotels will be 3 star or above.

Best of Scotland Holidays offer a variety of tours including Tours of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales, Whisky Trails, Honeymoon Packages, Castle and Garden Tours, Island Hopping, Walking Holidays and much more - something to suit everyone!

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Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail

Our Package Includes The Following:

3 nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; Chauffeur Drive car; Admission to Whisky Distilleries to include tastings; VAT at 20%.

Our package includes the following:
6 nts at the 5 star Fairmont Hotel, St.Andrews; 1 round over The Old Course, St.Andrews; 1 round over one of the other St.Andrews courses; 1 round over Kingsbarns; 1 round over Carnoustie; Unlimited golf over The Fairmont courses; 7 day rental of an auto Minivan; VAT @ 20%.